Project #13183 - ethics homework!!

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Answer the following questions briefly using a typed, double-spaced format.

1) Do a Google search on the Apple Computer vs. Samsung smartphone patent wars. Answer the following questions:

a) What are the main patent issues of these wars?

b) In your opinion who is in the right? Why?

c) Is this a proper application for patents? Why or why not?

d) Using Google patents or similar include a images from at least two of the associated patents.

2) Browse a link, such as http://www.freepatentsonline.com/crazy.html or http://thelistcafe.com/another-10-stupid-american-patents which provides a list of silly patents. Pick one and check it out on Google Patents. Describe the patent, include a picture, explain why you picked it, and give one reason why the patent should and one reason why the patent should not have been issued.

4) Define, compare, and contrast the three types of patents: design, plant, and utility. Be sure to address duration, types of applications, requirements to apply, and give an example of each.

5) Read the article at http://www.news.wisc.edu/12412.html. Should public universities be generating patents? Why or why not? Who should benefit: the school or the tax payers?

6) A new patent law was passed in the US in September 2011. Summarize the key changes to the law and state whether you think the changes, overall, are good or bad. Be sure to check out the unfavorable and favorable links below: http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/story/2011-09-16/new-patent-law/50437356/1 and http://www.forbes.com/sites/ciocentral/2011/09/20/new-patent-law-means-trouble-for-tech-entrepreneurs/

You can find information about patents and related topics at the following web sites: